The National University of Singapore (NUS) is championing synthetic biology with a S$120 million (US $90.6M) investment to advance sustainable manufacturing and global innovation. Through strategic partnerships, cutting-edge research, and initiatives that support green technologies, NUS is solidifying Singapore's leadership in the synthetic biology landscape, making strides that promise a transformative impact on industry and the environment.

SynBio offers a compelling solution to the environmental impact of traditional, petrochemical-reliant manufacturing. By enabling the design and engineering of biological systems to create more sustainable processes, synthetic biology has the potential to transform industries from chemicals and textiles to food and energy. This shift towards bio-based manufacturing is integral to NUS’ vision, promising positive, large-scale change and advancing global efforts in climate mitigation.

"NUS is committed to advancing synthetic biology to new heights," says Professor Liu Bin, NUS Deputy President (Research and Technology). "Our aim is to create a thriving SynBio ecosystem that not only tackles critical issues like food security and sustainable development but also strengthens Singapore's economic resilience."

Professor Liu adds that NUS’ synthetic biology ecosystem will attract industry partners, nurture a skilled workforce, and catalyze innovative startups—all contributing to Singapore's growth in the SynBio sector.

Pioneering SynBio Innovations at NUS

At the forefront of NUS’ SynBio initiatives is the Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), established in 2014 when the field was still emerging. SynCTI Director, Associate Professor Matthew Chang, emphasizes that "now is the moment for synthetic biology to drive transformative, lasting impact." Over the past decade, NUS has built a network of capabilities and strategic alliances, positioning Singapore to capitalize on the field's potential for widespread innovation.

The University is rolling out a range of ambitious projects to realize its synthetic biology-driven future:

1. National SynBio Initiative for Green Manufacturing
   NUS is leading efforts to establish Singapore’s national SynBio initiative, which will advance biomanufacturing by promoting a unified approach to sustainable practices. This initiative is expected to elevate Singapore’s global standing in green technology and sustainable industry.
2. Global Research Collaborations
   NUS is strengthening its SynBio ecosystem through partnerships with international leaders, fostering a multiplier effect in research capabilities. Key collaborations include:
   • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC): Working together to develop SynBio-based precision fermentation for producing safe, nutritious foods.
   • Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU): Innovating on cyanobacterial and microbial cell factories that convert CO₂ into biofuels and biomaterials.
   • French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS): Exploring the conversion of green hydrogen and CO₂ into sustainable biofuels, supported by the National Research Foundation Singapore’s CREATE program.

These partnerships aim to advance critical capabilities in SynBio, enabling Singapore to address pressing global challenges while building local expertise.

A Decade in the Making: Building Singapore's SynBio Ecosystem

NUS’ SynBio ecosystem has grown significantly over the past decade, thanks to initiatives like SynCTI, which has fostered foundational research and developed a skilled workforce trained in SynBio. SynCTI’s tenth-anniversary celebration in November 2024 will mark a decade of progress in building a synthetic biology powerhouse within Singapore.

SynCTI's establishment also led to the creation of the Singapore Consortium for Synthetic Biology (SINERGY), a coalition aimed at unifying Singapore's SynBio industry. Supported by the National Research Foundation and currently hosted at A*STAR’s Consortium Management Office, SINERGY connects nine academic and 27 industry partners, collectively advancing Singapore’s bioeconomy through collaborative SynBio projects.

Another critical component of NUS' SynBio ecosystem is the WIL@NUS Corporate Laboratory, a partnership with Wilmar International. Launched in 2018, this lab focuses on translating academic SynBio research into practical applications, particularly in biomanufacturing. Through its research, WIL@NUS has developed enzymes and microbes that facilitate oleochemical production, highlighting the potential of academia-industry partnerships to drive economic and environmental sustainability.

With this strong foundation, NUS is poised to lead the future of synthetic biology, driving transformative impacts across sectors and strengthening Singapore’s position on the global innovation stage.